The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
 Next page →

    Confirmed DDR3

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Snakize, Jul 10, 2007.

  1. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I just called Dell, asking them if my video card is DDR2 or DDR3, and they assured me it is DDR3, the guy said it was a typo that it said DDR2. He said he is 100% sure it's DDR3 and even got it checked with another person. Don't know if this also applies to the USA, I ordered mine from the NZ website.
     
    Snakize, Jul 10, 2007
    #1
  2. IceMole

    IceMole Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    99
    Messages:
    168
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    No one bothered to read the bios of the card as I suggested in the other thread (hard coded 2d/3d clocks), so all we have is a bunch of software that might or might not be right.
     
    IceMole, Jul 10, 2007
    #2
  3. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I personally don't think Dell would be that stupid to actually put down DDR3 in the specs, and actually not put the DDR3 video card, this will be considered false advertising and I don't think that Dell would like to be paying some big fines because of that.
     
    Snakize, Jul 10, 2007
    #3
  4. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

    Reputations:
    2,071
    Messages:
    5,234
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    LOL, a Dell rep saying something is far from it being confirmed.

    Besides, we have a whole 'nother thread from people who got their laptops who think it's DDR2.
     
    swarmer, Jul 10, 2007
    #4
  5. BuckeyeFan

    BuckeyeFan Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    395
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    That was not the issue, they clearly list 22.4 mb/s(?) which would mean a 1400(700x2) w/e, but using diff software they only came up with 800(400x2).

    Clearly i have no idea what i just said, but this is what i remember from the 43 page thread that i read :)
     
    BuckeyeFan, Jul 10, 2007
    #5
  6. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Maybe NZ get it but USA doesn't? lol..
     
    Snakize, Jul 10, 2007
    #6
  7. RyanHurtt

    RyanHurtt Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    42
    Messages:
    454
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    The 3dmark points point towards a lower-end 8600M GT as well. Dell reps never know what they're talking about really.
     
    RyanHurtt, Jul 10, 2007
    #7
  8. larson

    larson Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    571
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Maybe we need to wait for some decent drivers for the 8600m GT in order to get better scores for 3dmark06.
     
    larson, Jul 10, 2007
    #8
  9. BuckeyeFan

    BuckeyeFan Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    395
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Dell's sight does clearly state DDR2 for the U.S. under tech specs :(
     
    BuckeyeFan, Jul 10, 2007
    #9
  10. DoubleBlack

    DoubleBlack Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    70
    Messages:
    1,086
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Dell also confirms that it's DDR2...the only way to really confirm, is for someone who knows what they are doing to look in the BIOS or something. So please do not read the first post of this topic, as of right now it is NOT confirmed.
     
    DoubleBlack, Jul 10, 2007
    #10
  11. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Oh ok then so it will most likely be DDR2 for you guys, why would they put down DDR2 and give you DDR3 lol. It states DD3 on the NZ website.
     
    Snakize, Jul 10, 2007
    #11
  12. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I said it's confirmed for NZ, not sure about USA.
     
    Snakize, Jul 10, 2007
    #12
  13. BuckeyeFan

    BuckeyeFan Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    395
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Well, it also clearly states 22.4 bandwidth* under the compare side-by-side, which would be the DDR3, :(
     
    BuckeyeFan, Jul 10, 2007
    #13
  14. DoubleBlack

    DoubleBlack Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    70
    Messages:
    1,086
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Dell has confirmed this over the phone, and online...but every program people use in Windows says DDR2...again, read the topics before you just post something - this is not confirmed anywhere. Dell NZ uses the same exact components in the same exact factories as Dell USA ;)
     
    DoubleBlack, Jul 10, 2007
    #14
  15. BuckeyeFan

    BuckeyeFan Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    395
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    They may offer different stuff though...
     
    BuckeyeFan, Jul 10, 2007
    #15
  16. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Different countries get different things. It all depends at what's avaliable. Also not all the Dell laptops are made in the same factory or country, some are made in Malaysia others in China.
     
    Snakize, Jul 10, 2007
    #16
  17. idiotsavant

    idiotsavant Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    71
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    idiotsavant, Jul 10, 2007
    #17
  18. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Yes look at the main page they say it's

    Graphic Card
    NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 8600M GT with 256MB DDR3 dedicated graphic memory
     
    Snakize, Jul 10, 2007
    #18
  19. BuckeyeFan

    BuckeyeFan Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    395
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    After going to the customization it does, however it also lists the GDDR3 on the page before that.
     
    BuckeyeFan, Jul 10, 2007
    #19
  20. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Snakize, Jul 10, 2007
    #20
  21. Osserpse

    Osserpse Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    39
    Messages:
    336
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Yea, the 8600m GT has 22.4GB/s of memory bandwidth when clocked at its correct frequency of 1400MHz (700x2). Instead, Dell (and a few other manufacturers) have decided to cheap out and have the memory clocked at only 800MHz (400x2). This results in about half of the memory bandwidth, which creates a serious bottleneck for the GPU. It's effectively starving it of data to process.

    The problem isn't the fact that it's clocked low, it's the fact that Dell listed specs that would correlate with the higher clocked version, but deliver the slower one.
     
    Osserpse, Jul 10, 2007
    #21
  22. BuckeyeFan

    BuckeyeFan Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    395
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Finally someone who actually understands this to explain the problem ;)
     
    BuckeyeFan, Jul 10, 2007
    #22
  23. chuck232

    chuck232 Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,736
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Who says it isn't GDDR3 clocked at 400MHz?
     
    chuck232, Jul 11, 2007
    #23
  24. spexc31

    spexc31 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    12
    Messages:
    473
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    BuckeyeFan or anyone, do u know of the sager2090/compal ifl90 cheap out on their graphics card like the 1520?
    or do they have the correct freq?
     
    spexc31, Jul 11, 2007
    #24
  25. scooberdoober

    scooberdoober Penguins FTW!

    Reputations:
    1,718
    Messages:
    2,221
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Judging by their track record (excellent), I would seriously doubt it. :cool:
     
    scooberdoober, Jul 11, 2007
    #25
  26. Donsell

    Donsell Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    163
    Messages:
    546
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    The Compal is underclocked as well. The only 8600gt that I know of that isn't underclocked is in the Asus G1S and G2s. Howerver, they have short battery life and heat issues compared to the Compal and Dell so I suspect thats why they underclocked it.
     
    Donsell, Jul 11, 2007
    #26
  27. Intensity

    Intensity Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    79
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    But what about the 3dMarks06? The one Stella got has 2906 marks and the G1s has 3800+ marks...well...900 marks difference, I don't get it
     
    Intensity, Jul 11, 2007
    #27
  28. larson

    larson Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    571
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Yeah, from all of the reviews I've read, there have been no heat problems or loudness issues. Maybe this is why they underclocked it.
     
    larson, Jul 11, 2007
    #28
  29. mtylerjr

    mtylerjr Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    95
    Messages:
    790
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Have you guys compared "Item numbers" from your orders?

    For example, for my order, the item number is:

    1 320-5639 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT $0.00

    Im wondering if everyone has the same item number, or if there is a difference you can see there, between a ddr2 and gddr3 card. Since they are parts with different specs, they -should- have a different item number.

    If we could find out the item number for the card for anyone who has a confirmed Gddr3, then it would be much easier (in theory) to call up dell and demand -that- particular card.
     
    mtylerjr, Jul 11, 2007
    #29
  30. crimsonswallow

    crimsonswallow Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    97
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    On the bottom of my Order Confirmation it says:

    "These commodities, technology or software are authorised by the United States and will be exported from Malaysia in accordance with the U.S. Expert Administration Regulations for ultimate destination as described about in the "Shipping Address" section. Diversion contrary to U.S. law prohibited."

    Ordering from Australia - I spoke to a Malaysian rep (where all Australian sales calls seem to be diverted) - they are SURE that Dell, everywhere only as DDR2 to offer. I think Malaysia does all the assembling for everyone (hence the shorter Australian wait times).

    Australia also advertises DDR3 but it says DDR2 in config. I didn't really care that much and was arguing just for the chance to save a few bucks. They kept on saying typo and wouldn't budge. I guess I'm okay, but not thrilled with what I've gotten for the price. (Dell should have made me happy!) Though nothing compared to U.S. prices - so quit your belly-aching.
     
    crimsonswallow, Jul 11, 2007
    #30
  31. evapogju

    evapogju Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5

    I have a different number.

    320-5468 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 8600
     
    evapogju, Jul 11, 2007
    #31
  32. stormchas4

    stormchas4 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    155
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ordered on the 7th...mine is 320-5639
     
    stormchas4, Jul 11, 2007
    #32
  33. haloskinner

    haloskinner Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Ordered mine on the 9th and mine is 320-5468 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 8600.
     
    haloskinner, Jul 11, 2007
    #33
  34. lightflux

    lightflux Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    33
    Messages:
    179
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Ordered on the 5th...mine is 320-5639
     
    lightflux, Jul 11, 2007
    #34
  35. crimsonswallow

    crimsonswallow Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    97
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    It's not going to happen, but false hope is still hope right?
     
    crimsonswallow, Jul 11, 2007
    #35
  36. vcash

    vcash Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    166
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Mine is also 1 320-5639 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
     
    vcash, Jul 11, 2007
    #36
  37. mtylerjr

    mtylerjr Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    95
    Messages:
    790
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Well we seem to have two different item numbers.

    Maybe someone can find out from dell the difference between these two part numbers. It might just mean a difference manufacturer or something.
     
    mtylerjr, Jul 11, 2007
    #37
  38. lunateck

    lunateck Bananaed

    Reputations:
    527
    Messages:
    2,654
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    What if.. just what if Dell gave u DDR2...
     
    lunateck, Jul 11, 2007
    #38
  39. spexc31

    spexc31 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    12
    Messages:
    473
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    wait whats going on lol?
    do u guys think that the later shipments of 1520 have cards in ddr3 or something?
     
    spexc31, Jul 11, 2007
    #39
  40. mtylerjr

    mtylerjr Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    95
    Messages:
    790
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Well, there's always a chance of that.

    But more realistically, if we can find any difference between the two, and one is better for any reason, it stands to reason that that info would be helpful to someone.

    I've asked my contact at dell via email what the difference between the two item numbers is. I dont actually know how technical he is, but I'll let you know if he answers.

    It still remains that Dell is advertising a graphics memory bandwidth of 22.4 GB/Sec on their website here:

    http://www.dell.com/content/learnmo...nspnnb&~mode=popup&~series=inspn&~tab=details

    If the card isnt actuall 22.4 GB/Sec, and is only 11 or 12, I think some people will have a right to complain
     
    mtylerjr, Jul 11, 2007
    #40
  41. HclBr

    HclBr Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    20
    Messages:
    89
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Thats currently what it looks like. It isn't 22.4Gb/s, but only 12.8GB/s.
     
    HclBr, Jul 11, 2007
    #41
  42. mtylerjr

    mtylerjr Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    95
    Messages:
    790
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Then the 8600M-GT is only 33% faster than the 8400 GS, instead of 133% faster. In other words, only 1.33 times the speed instead of 2.33 times the speed.

    Poop.
     
    mtylerjr, Jul 11, 2007
    #42
  43. larson

    larson Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    571
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Man, if those 2 different product numbers are the difference in the DDR2/GDDR3, I'm going to be so mad with Dell... The people who order their laptops later get GDDR3, that would not be cool.
     
    larson, Jul 11, 2007
    #43
  44. JETninja

    JETninja Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    70
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Class Action...........Any Lawyers around here?
     
    JETninja, Jul 11, 2007
    #44
  45. spexc31

    spexc31 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    12
    Messages:
    473
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    what makes u guys think this? is this purely wishful thinking on somepart? a change in product numbers?
    or is their some good probable evidence?

    just for the record, the 8600gt card i have configured right now is
    256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 8600M GT 256AC [320-5639]
     
    spexc31, Jul 11, 2007
    #45
  46. mtylerjr

    mtylerjr Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    95
    Messages:
    790
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Yeah, no need to panic. We dont know of any actual difference between the two item numbers, yet.

    I will be dissappointed though if the card doesnt perform as advertised. Thats just common sense.
     
    mtylerjr, Jul 11, 2007
    #46
  47. mtylerjr

    mtylerjr Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    95
    Messages:
    790
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I've posted the following post on the dell forum, and am hoping someone there will answer:

     
    mtylerjr, Jul 11, 2007
    #47
  48. Vaitte

    Vaitte Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Vaitte, Jul 11, 2007
    #48
  49. larson

    larson Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    571
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I can't wait for someone to post back.
     
    larson, Jul 11, 2007
    #49
  50. Stella

    Stella Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    173
    Messages:
    710
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    31
    320-5639 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT 1
     
    Stella, Jul 11, 2007
    #50
 Next page →